Amid the recent changes within the royal family, Prince Harry and Meghan’s children, Archie Mountbatten-Windsor and Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, have received new titles in accordance with long-standing traditions.
Following the ascension of King Charles to the throne, both Archie and Lilibet now hold the titles of His Royal Highness and Her Royal Highness, respectively, as a result of adjustments in the line of succession.
These titles, bestowed upon them, are rooted in a tradition initiated by George V, which dictates that the grandchildren of a reigning monarch are to be granted such honors.
Nevertheless, it is important to note that any reigning monarch has the authority to modify the rules established by their predecessor.
In this case, King Charles III possesses the power to alter the regulations concerning the bestowal of royal titles upon grandchildren.
During his initial address to the nation, King Charles III made a heartfelt mention of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, expressing his affection for the couple without specifically addressing any potential alterations in titles for them or their offspring.
As it stands, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle‘s children, Archie III and Lilibet I, have not yet been designated as Prince and Princess, although an update on their titles is pending.
Following the passing of the Queen, all members of the royal family are expected to move up one position in the line of succession.
Consequently, the titles of other senior royals, such as Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge, have already been adjusted on the royal website to reflect their new designations.
In contrast, Archie and Lilibet, the offspring of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, currently remain listed as Master and Miss on the official royal website, despite technically being entitled to the positions of Prince and Princess following their grandfather’s assumption of the throne.
A palace spokesperson has assured that the titles will be updated on the website as soon as pertinent information becomes available, emphasizing that the decision regarding the utilization of these titles has not yet been officially confirmed by either the parents or Buckingham Palace.
Acknowledging the recent modifications, the King’s spokesperson confirmed the announcement of William and Kate’s new titles as the Prince and Princess of Wales, while reiterating the monarch’s fondness for Harry and Meghan.
Regarding the delayed update on the website for Archie and Lilibet, the spokesperson humorously remarked that updating love on a website does not quite align, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to ensure accuracy in the information displayed online.
When questioned about whether Archie and Lilibet would eventually assume the titles of Prince and Princess, the palace representative emphasized the current focus on imminent matters and reiterated the commitment to updating the website promptly as new details emerge.
Speculation arose in 2021 that Charles intended to restrict the number of key royals upon assuming the throne, potentially impacting Archie’s eligibility to be designated as a Prince.